Free beer for a year? That’s worth a little haggling

The folks at Black Star Beer have launched another wacky and creative contest in their ongoing efforts to spread the word about their Montana-brewed double hopped golden lager. This time the winner will take home 52 cases – a year’s supply – of Black Star, and all it will take is a little bit of bartering.

Here’s the deal.

Black Star wants contestants to answer the question, “What would you do or trade for a year’s supply of Black Star Beer?”

Contestants are asked to come up with the most “over-the-top, outrageous submissions,” and present them February 5, 2011, during the 52nd annual Whitefish Winter Carnival being held in Whitefish, Montana, home of Black Star maker Great Northern Brewing Company.

Judges will rank all barter submissions based on “creativity, awesomeness, thoughtfulness, and enthusiasm.” The winner will take home the 52 cases of Black Star.

This is an awesome prize. Black Star does not distribute in my home state of Florida, but the people at Great Northern were kind enough to send me some samples a few months back. They describe it this way:

“Black Star is a double hopped golden lager. By hopping our beer in the kettle, and then again before finishing, Black Star opens up with a distinctive hoppy aroma and a rich, full bodied flavor. All this while remaining remarkably crisp, light and refreshing.”

That’s accurate. Black Star is a top-notch lager, a lot better than most of the lagers you’ll find in the U.S., at least the ones I’ve tried.

What would I trade for a year’s supply of Black Star? I’m still working on that, but since I won’t be making it to Montana this year, it would be a moot point. Regardless, I’d love to have 52 cases of it at my house.

But if you’re feeling like setting your GPS for Whitefish and making this a Road Trip for Beer and want more details or to register, head to http://www.blackstarbeer.com/barter or email barter@blackstarbeer.com.